Education and Child Matters

I AM L.I.P

I am a Litigant In Person

Options Available To You If You Left School With GCSE Qualifications

 

Please find below some of the options available to you if you left school with GCSE qualifications.

OPTION 1 – AN APPRENTICESHIP THAT REQUIRES GCSE QUALIFICATIONS

There are many apprenticeships available to you if you have some GCSE qualifications. These are called ‘advanced’ apprenticeships or ‘level 3’ apprenticeships and once completed are equivalent to gaining 2 A Level passes.

We have searched for an example for you.

Bus driver – To start this apprenticeship you must be 18 years of age and have GCSE maths and English. You must also have a full driving licence

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR BUS DRIVER APPRENTICESHIP

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR SEARCH FOR APPRENTICESHIPS – THE INSTITUTE OF APPRENTICESHIPS AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The government has started career starter apprenticeships for those of you who have limited work experience.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR CAREER STARTER APPRENTICESHIPS

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP

OPTION 2 – A TRAINEESHIP THAT REQUIRES GCSE QUALIFICATIONS

A traineeship is a course developed by the government which includes work experience. The length of a traineeship is usually a minimum of 6 weeks up to a maximum of a year.

A traineeship will usually prepare you for work or an apprenticeship. 

A traineeship is for 16 – 24 years olds. You also will need to have GCSE or A Level qualifications.

A traineeship is unpaid. However, travel expenses and lunch are paid for.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR FIND A TRAINEESHIP

OPTION 3 – A JOB THAT REQUIRES GCSE QUALIFICATIONS

There are many jobs out there that you can apply for that require only GCSE qualifications. Some are:

  1. Receptionists
  2. Secretaries
  3. An accounts clerk
  4. Customer service assistant
  5. Healthcare assistant
  6. Fitness instructor
  7. Sales representative

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND A JOB

OPTION 4 – START A BUSINESS 

This is something that is possible with or without qualifications, if you have a great idea and have some entrepreneurial flair. Please note that if you start your business at age 16 you will have difficulties in opening a business account, getting a credit card and finance until 18 years of age. You will need parental permission for this. 

There is no minimum age to be a sole trader (a business operated by one person where there is no distinction between the owner and the business itself).

You cannot also form a limited company by yourself if you are under 18 years of age but can be appointed a director from the age of 16 years if you form the company with someone who is above 18 years of age. 

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

OPTION 5 – A JOB WITH TRAINING THAT REQUIRES GCSE QUALIFICATIONS

There careers you can apply for where you will receive training first which will lead directly to a job. 

  1. Police force – an individual can make an application at 17 years of age and join at 18 years of age. They must have maths and English GCSEs.
  2. Firefighter – an individual can make an application at 17 years and 6 months. They must have maths and English GCSEs.
  3. Train driver – minimum age is approximately 21 years to apply. They must have GCSEs.
  4. RAF – the minimum age is 18 years. They must have maths, English and science GCSEs.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AFTER THEIR GCSEs

OPTION 6 – STUDY FOR A LEVEL, T LEVEL OR FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS

If you have the support from your family and would like to continue education then the next step after your GCSEs is to continue studying for A levels. An A Level course is usually a two year course. Most academies and sixth form colleges offer A Level courses.